Hiking in Mendocino
A stay in Mendocino offers the best of many worlds. Forests and beaches, mountains and plains - all located within a short drive of the Lighthouse Inn at Point Cabrillo. If you're passionate about hiking, you're in luck - located close to the Inn you will find hiking in Mendocino that suits beginners or advance outdoor enthusiasts - all with breathtaking scenery and views.
Point Cabrillo Nature Preserve
The Nature Preserve is open for walking and hiking from sunrise to sunset every day. The Light Station is only about a one-half mile walk from parking. Handicapped accessible parking is available at the Light Station right in front of the B&B. Because of erosion and man's impact on this fragile environment it is important to use established trails and keep your dogs leashed at all times. Use extreme caution near the ocean and bluffs. Banks are unstable, and ocean waves can be unpredictable.
Mendocino Headlands State Park
Surrounding the Village of Mendocino on three sides, and only 2 miles south of the Inn, this State Park offers exquisite beauty and fabulous trails for every level of hiker. Enjoy three miles of trails with California 's legendary year-round access. In the spring enjoy the colorful wildflowers or escape the heat to a welcome summer respite. Fall brings crisp cool weather that is perfect for hiking and biking. Winter signals the grey whale migration, and hiking in Mendocino Headlands S.P. offers fabulous vistas for whale watching.
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Russian Gulch State Park
Just across Hwy 1 and a bit south from the Inn , you will find fabulous hiking trails that contain a spectacular reward, a charming waterfall. There are multiple paths to your goal, choose one or try all three. These trails do climb a bit - ranging from 240ft to 400ft change in elevation. Journey under the bridge that carries Hwy 1 across the gulch and you're on over a mile of ocean frontage complete with swimming and tide pools.
Hiking in Mendocino is eclectic and exciting - enjoy a great bit of exercise and bring along your camera to capture memories that last a lifetime. If you need more information visit the links provided above or just ask the innkeepers, we're more than happy to help.
Additional Resources:
The Hiker's hip pocket Guide to the Mendocino Coast
Mendocino National Forest Horseback & Hiking Trails (60 Miles Inland from the Village of Mendocino )
VIA Magazine - AAA Traveler's Companion
